Germany: GDL union signs federal framework agreement for rail freight train drivers

Wages in line with the Deutsche Bahn’s.  “On March 16th, the GDL adopted with private freight rail companies, without a single strike, the federal framework agreement for train drivers (BURA-LfTV)” the corporatist union rejoiced in a communiqué.  The union should be satisfied, because the agreement signed by 3 private rail freight companies (Assoft-Railmer, MEV Eisenbahnverkehrsgesellschaft and SBB Cargo Deutschland) includes all its claims.  In the future, the basic pay for about 550 train drivers employed in rail freight will be 2% higher than that paid by the Deutsche Bahn (DB).  It will amount to €2,341-€2,831 a month depending on professional experience.  Meantime, the workweek will go from 40 to 39 hours.  Bonuses for night work, work on Sundays or holidays will be in line with the DB’s scales.  The framework agreement also provide, as the GDL hoped, for uniform training standards and better care for drivers subject to trauma after a severe accident.  Saying that the agreement was “decent,” a spokesman for SBB Cargo Deutschland, German subsidiary of the SBB Swiss rail company, said that it now had to be materialized in a company agreement.  This agreement will help avoid “competition over train drivers” the GDL union said, asking for the signature of a sectoral collective agreement for all 26,000 train drivers in Germany (see our dispatch No.  110154).
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

s or holidays will be in line with the DB’s scales. The framework agreement also provide, as the GDL hoped, for uniform training standards and better care for drivers subject to trauma after a severe accident. Saying that the agreement was “decent,” a spokesman for SBB Cargo Deutschland, German subsidiary of the SBB Swiss rail company, said that it now had to be materialized in a company agreement. This agreement will help avoid “competition over train drivers” the GDL union said, asking for

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Romania: government imposes strict controls on labour immigration
On 26 January, the Romanian government adopted an emergency ordinance tightening the rules on the recruitment of foreign workers. The measure introduces an official list of labour shortage...
Germany: standoff over national plan to boost collective bargaining
Under the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, Germany is required to produce an action plan to boost collective bargaining coverage. That plan has stalled, however, after being blocked by the...
9 February 2026
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Germany: government seeks to facilitate immigration of skilled Indian workers
During a visit to India earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the strategic importance of attracting Indian workers to Germany, signing a series of cooperation agreements...
2
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
3
France: 2026 budget expected to maintain employer contribution relief
On 19 January 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass France's 2026 budget without a vote in the National Assembly. Three days...
4
EU: Cyprus unveils its six-month presidency programme
Cyprus has set out its priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. On the social front, the centre-right government will focus on the Union of Skills, which aims to boost...
5
Informal economy and slow wage growth hamper decent work, ILO says
The International Labour Organisation published its Employment ans Social Trends 2026 on 14 January. It anticipates unemployment stabilising in 2026 and employment growth of 1%, driven by...
6
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...